How hard is the install? I'm likely going to be towing a trailer from CT to north Maine next month...
Consider buying a GX... (2 Viewers)
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How hard is the install? I'm likely going to be towing a trailer from CT to north Maine next month...
From the videos I have watched it doesn’t look that hard. Hardest part may be fabricating brackets to hold the cooler in place, which will be the east part for me…
You doing the NMW trip with garlic? Or hauling quads up?
Nope... the quad trip is actually the weekend before their trip, will be home by the time they hit the trails
Pickup a trans cooler and let’s put them in together, that will motivate me.
Even if you don't go OEM..for the external AT cooler... this part I think makes for a cleaner install and less chance for any hose abrasion. The OEM hoses have a nice braided wrapping on them as well.
PN: 32907-60290
PN: 32907-60290
OEM AT Cooler Install - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - OEM AT Cooler Install - EDIT: This is more than likely the same setup going into the 2020+ GX 460 with off-road package. This has also long been available since 2010 in Canadian high trim models. As of 2019 this cooler is part of the Executive Package in Canada....
www.clublexus.com
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Impromptu mod day for trans cooler install sounds like a plan
Good call on the wrapped hose. I need to put together a full parts list on a spreadsheet and do some price shopping for the whole kit. Maybe this week...Even if you don't go OEM..for the external AT cooler... this part I think makes for a cleaner install and less chance for any hose abrasion. The OEM hoses have a nice braded wrapping on them as well.
PN: 32907-60290
OEM AT Cooler Install - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - OEM AT Cooler Install - EDIT: This is more than likely the same setup going into the 2020+ GX 460 with off-road package. This has also long been available since 2010 in Canadian high trim models. As of 2019 this cooler is part of the Executive Package in Canada....www.clublexus.com
MrTorgue
Grizzly Clint
Too bad we all aren't local I'd love to join in. LOL
All the parts needed for the OEM cooler is listed on the club Lexus post above. I followed everything in that thread when I installed mine. Prices have went up since that thread was made though.
It talks about pinning the thermostat open but I haven’t on mine. No towing but it will get up to 190-200 and stay there.
My V8 4runner (factory cooler similar to the GX470) will get will barely break 130-150 unless slow off-road driving. Although it’s not driven distance or at interstate speeds.
If one doesn’t find heat reductions sufficient pin thermostat open as it closes around those temperatures and it will then generally just match coolant temps.
For those that question whether it is safe to do… I’ve had mine pinned open for years.
For those that question whether it is safe to do… I’ve had mine pinned open for years.
- Thread starter
- #30
...back to the notion that there may be a transmission vulnerability. If i am reading the sentiment here correctly, it would appear that they do have a propensity to run hot and they need a cooler mod. Thanks for the dialogue. Good stuff.
Next question...curious why most of you folks are choosing a 460 over a 4runner? I suspect most of you considered a 4runner when shopping, no?
Next question...curious why most of you folks are choosing a 460 over a 4runner? I suspect most of you considered a 4runner when shopping, no?
When considering which GX trim level to look for- Id stick with the Base version. We’ve got a 2016 Lux trim level with rear air suspension and have to say the air-bag ride is sub-par compared to simple coil suspension. I also think the seats in the Base version have a little more cush. Subjective for sure but Im not in love with the ride quality of our GX.
Hiluxforever
SILVER Star
GX is a better value and in 2021 was less expensive then similar mileage Tacomas and 4Runners that were significantly lower spec
Wife just switched from a 5th gen 4runner to a gx. We’ve had 2 5th gens (2010, 2015), the latter lightly modified.
They are night and day different… and almost the same price.
The gx is a bargain compared to the 4runner.
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Hiluxforever
SILVER Star
r2m
Richard
Absolutely agree the ride quality can be better in a GX, but compared to what???
It is better than any other Toyota/Lexus SUV, sport SUV or truck other than the newer Landcruiser/LX.
Of course it's not going to be a comfy as any of the high end sedans, but it will for sure be better than anything else in it's prices/performance range.
My rig is VERY comfy with my load-out and suspension upgrades. It is way more comfortable than our old 100 series LC's we had, and I can't stand riding very long in my wife's Taco.
So with all due respect, for me and my family, we consider (our) GX very comfortable, or we wouldn't have been able to do 1,000+ mile days on a road trip a couple years ago going to the east coast.
Try pulling 1,000 miles in one day in most any other vehicle... and we did it multiple days!
This. When I bought my GX, a 4Runner TRD Off-Road of similar vintage with comparable mileage was thousands more expensive, usually slightly worse condition, and so on. Pros were even more for higher mile, worse condition examples. For the same money, the GX was also a "new" experience for me as I owned a 2018 4Runner TRDOR (and two 4th gens, one a V6 and one a V8). As much as I love the look, feel, and rough-and-tumble mentality of the 5th gen T4R, that powertrain is just outdated and underwhelming versus the GX's V8. Combine the smoother drivetrain with the better insulation and it's a much nicer vehicle to spend time in. Of course, if the V8 was available in the 4Runner and it had selectable 2WD/4WD, I'd have that instead...
Hiluxforever
SILVER Star
Used GXes cost less than 4runners the same age and mileage, at least when I was looking last year. The GX is taller so it has normal ergonomics- some people complain the 4runner seats are close to the floor. The GX is nicer and quieter inside. The MPG is not much lower (6 speed trans helps). GXes are often suburban mall runners while 4Rs get off roaded and beat on more. GXes often get better care than 4Rs. Its not hard to find one with a full dealer service history. The GX arguably has a better 4wd system than most 4Rs and also has KDSS. Also: v8.
4Rs are cooler if you're young and sporty. The TRD has a locker. It's a better looking vehicle. It doesn't look like a suburban mall crawler but a few mods go a long ways to address that on the GX. I like that the GX is a bit of a sleeper.
V8 and amenities
First considered a 4runner for my wife as I have a 4th Gen. Both 4runner and 460, same year and mileage the GX was the same price if not a little cheaper. GX premium trim vs 4runner Limited.
Big things for me was the V8 and 6 speed, AWD with low range and CDL, and probably overlooked was the rear air conditioning back to the 3rd row.
I might be wrong but I believe the Limited 4Runners (5th Gen) cannot be in 4 low without the center diff locked. Which was a negative to me as I maneuver by boat with my 4th gen that way without binding. 4low with center diff unlocked.
